New Philadelphia Fire Commissioner, public safety director named under Cherelle Parker: ‘New role, new title’

PHILADELPHIA - Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker has selected her picks for Chief Public Safety Director and Acting Fire Commissioner for the city of Philadelphia. 

In a news conference Thursday morning at City Hall, the Mayor-elect announced Craig Murphy as Acting Fire Commissioner and Adam Geer as Chief Public Safety Director. 

Craig Murphy is a 36-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department and oversees all departmental operations. He has served in multiple roles within the PFD and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2003, Captain in 2006, Battalion Chief in 2010 and Deputy Chief in 2014. 

He has responded to many disaster incidents, including the World Trade Center terrorist attack in 2001 and Hurricane Katrina. For the first four years of Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel's tenure, Murphy served as Deputy Fire Commissioner for planning, logistics and operations, until becoming his current position as 1st Deputy Commissioner in early 2021.

Parker said she turned to experts in the field to make this hiring decision. They included Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Tom Cook, former Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, Battalion Chief Lisa Forrest, Union President Mike Bresnan and Vice President Chuck McQuilkin.

"I remember when I finally decided to take the promotional exam after 14 years in the fire department. Commissioner Ayers had me in his basement, preparing me for my oral examination, and this is the outcome – who would’ve thought it," said Acting Commissioner Murphy. "I am a firefighter at heart, dedicated to serving the community."

Murphy said he is due for retirement and will not be seeking the permanent position. He has agreed to stay on for as long as the city needs him.

Adam Geer currently serves as the City of Philadelphia's Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety, a position created in response to the murder of George Floyd and the social justice movement of 2020. Geer works with the Philadelphia Police Department, Office of the Mayor, Office of the Victim Advocate, Citizens Police Oversight Commission, civic associations and community organizations to improve public trust in the fairness and efficacy of local law enforcement.  He has also served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.

"We are building one of the most talented and diverse administrations that this city has ever seen," said Parker. 

Mayor-Elect Parker said in his new role Geer will act as a coordinator between city agencies, community groups and individuals who makeup the city’s criminal justice system. He will work in close partnership with incoming Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.

"To be able to step back, let Commissioner Bethel do his thing and I can look elsewhere amongst the city agencies. What can they be doing, how can we be working together to achieve our goals," said Geer. "Oftentimes, we get into these silos in city government where they’re just trying to deliver these core services, but these agencies have a role in public safety and I see my job as trying to coordinate them, get everyone on the same page get some great initiative and the Mayor’s vision accomplished."

"Having somebody at your side to help you do this work can only be a plus," said Commissioner Bethel. "It’s going to take multiple people to do that and having somebody to support that work is a benefit."

Once again. Parker turned to several people who she considers subject-matter experts to guide her decision in hiring Geer. That included former City Solicitor Marcel Pratt, Retired UPenn Chief of Police and Volunteer President of the Philadelphia Police Foundation and community groups Every Murder is Real and Unity in the Community.

Retired Chief Rush said she has high hopes for Geer who recently drafted new state legislation to boot police recruitment in Philadelphia. Instead of relying on the Nelson-Denny reading test for recruits, the city can now work on crafting its own version. Studies funded by the Philadelphia Police Foundation found the Nelson-Denny test was biased and out-of-date, according to Rush.

"So now we’re down a thousand police officers in the City of Philadelphia. That’s a critical mass of people we’re missing. By having a test that more applies the skillset you need in a police officer, it’s going to make such a difference," said Rush. "Adam will also be able to do other legislation that will be needed. Not just the police department, but also the fire department and the City."

The Mayor-elect recently announced her selection for Police Commissioner, her big three and their deputies, the city’s next Managing Director, City Solicitor, Commerce Director and budget finance team. She will soon name the Director of Clean and Green Initiatives.

Cherelle Parker will officially be sworn in as the new mayor of Philadelphia during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, January 2 at 10 a.m. at the MET.